Soundproof Like a Pro: 5 Quick Tips and Tricks for Your Sanctuary

Image created by Midjourney

Are you tired of hearing every little noise from your neighbours or street traffic? Do you dream of a peaceful oasis where you can relax without the sound of footsteps, shouting or honking cars? Well, fear not, my fellow noise-sensitive friend! With some creativity and a few bucks, you can soundproof your abode and turn it into a cosy cocoon of silence. So, grab your earplugs and let's dive into some simple ways to soundproof your unit on a budget!

#1. Plug those holes

Design: GP/Studio

Gaps and cracks in your walls and windows are like little whispering holes that let in unwanted noise. So, grab some caulk, weather stripping or sealant and seal those holes! Your ears will thank you. When choosing a weather stripping, caulking, or sealant, it's important to consider factors such as durability, flexibility, and ease of application. Be sure to read product reviews and consult with a professional if you're unsure which product is best for your needs.

Pro tips:

DAP Acrylic Latex Caulk

This caulk is a versatile and economical option for sealing gaps and cracks in walls, windows, and doors. 

3M Weatherstrip Adhesive

This adhesive is specifically designed to seal weatherstripping around doors and windows, helping to keep out drafts and reduce noise. 

Selleys No More Gaps Multipurpose Sealant

This sealant is a high-quality option that can be used to seal gaps and cracks around windows, doors, skirting boards, and other surfaces.

Thesr are available at most local hardware stores and online retailers.

#2. Layer up with curtains

Design: Ascend Designs

Not only do curtains add a pop of colour and personality to your space, but they can also be a great way to absorb sound waves. So, go ahead and layer up with some heavy curtains or blinds to keep out the noise and add some style. When choosing curtains or blinds, it's important to consider factors such as material, thickness, and length. Heavier materials and longer curtains or blinds will generally provide better sound absorption. You may also want to consider layering curtains or combining curtains with blinds for maximum soundproofing benefits.

Pro tips:

IKEA Curtains

IKEA offers a wide range of curtains in various materials, including heavier options such as velvet, to help absorb sound. They also offer affordable curtain rods and accessories to complete your window treatments.

Spotlight Curtains

Spotlight is a popular home decor store that offers a wide range of curtains, including heavy options made from materials such as chenille and jacquard. They also offer custom made-to-measure services if you are looking at specific dimensions.

#3. Make some noise with rugs

Design: Brickwood Studio

Who says soundproofing has to be boring? Add some fun and funky rugs to your floors to absorb sound and add a playful touch to your decor. When choosing a rug, it's important to consider factors such as material, durability, and maintenance. Look for rugs made from natural materials such as wool or cotton, as they are generally more durable and easier to clean. Also, consider the size of the rug and whether it will fit in the space you have in mind.

Pro tips:

Gallery 278

Gallery 278 is a home decor store that offers a wide range of hand-woven rugs made from natural materials such as wool and silk. They have a variety of sizes and designs, from traditional to modern.

The Rug Maker

The Rug Maker offers a wide range of custom-made rugs, where you can choose your own design, color, and size. They use high-quality materials such as wool, silk, and bamboo silk to create durable and lasting rugs.

#4. Get crafty with soundproofing panels

Design: Design 4 Space

Want to get creative? Try making your own soundproofing panels using materials like foam, fibreglass, or acoustic tiles. You can even add some fun fabric covers to match your decor. When choosing soundproof panels for homes, it's important to consider factors such as material, thickness, and absorption coefficients. Panels made from materials such as acoustic foam and rockwool are commonly used for soundproofing, and thicker panels will generally provide better sound absorption. It's also important to consider the size and shape of the panels and whether they will fit in your space.

Pro tips

Enocoustic  

Enocoustic specializes in providing high-quality soundproofing and acoustic solutions for commercial, industrial and residential spaces. It offers a range of services that includes design, consultation, installation, and maintenance of soundproofing systems. Enocoustic's soundproofing solutions for homes include walls, windows, doors, floors, and ceilings, which aim to reduce noise levels from external sources and minimize sound transmission between rooms. Enocoustic's team of experts includes acoustic consultants, engineers, and designers who work together to provide customized solutions that meet their clients' needs. 

Soundzipper

Soundzipper provides acoustic and soundproofing solutions for various industries such as commercial, educational, healthcare, and residential. For residential projects, the company provides acoustic and soundproofing solutions. Soundzipper offers a range of services that includes acoustic consultancy, soundproofing solutions, acoustic testing, and audio-visual integration. It caters to the needs of their clients by customizing solutions according to their requirements, which aim to improve sound quality, reduce noise levels, and create a comfortable environment. Soundzipper also offers acoustic treatment solutions that improve the overall sound quality in a room, such as reducing echoes and reverberation.

#5. Paint your way to silence

Design: BuildBuilt

If you want to get a little more artsy, consider using soundproofing paint on your walls. Not only will it help absorb sound, but it can also be a fun way to add a unique texture or design to your walls. 

Pro tip

Acousti Coat Sound Deadening Paint

Acousti Coat Sound Deadening Paint is a specialty paint product that is designed to improve the acoustics of a room by reducing echoes and reverberations. The paint is formulated with advanced sound-absorbing materials that help to reduce the transmission of sound waves, which can result in improved sound quality in a space..

While Acousti Coat Sound Deadening Paint can help to improve the acoustics of a room, it is important to note that it is not a substitute for proper soundproofing techniques. For significant noise reduction and soundproofing capabilities, additional measures such as acoustic insulation, mass-loaded vinyl, resilient channels, and double walls may be necessary.

So there you have it, folks! With these fun and cheeky tips, you can now enjoy some peace and quiet in your abode without breaking the bank. From plugging those sneaky holes, layering up with funky curtains and rugs, to get craft with soundproofing panels and sound-absorbing paint, there are plenty of ways to soundproof your space and add some personality to your decor.

So, go ahead and get creative, make some noise (or rather, block it out), and enjoy your new oasis of calm. And hey, if your neighbours start asking why you're suddenly so chill, just tell them it's your new soundproofing superpowers at work!